Shattered by TL Reeve & Michele Ryan

Author:TL Reeve & Michele Ryan [Reeve, TL]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: R2R Publishing
Published: 2019-11-12T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

When they arrived at Kalkin’s, the party or dinner or whatever Kalkin called these little get togethers, was already in full swing. Mackenzie ushered Aurora into Kalkin’s home along with Abby. Liam and Riley had found two of the younger children outside and were hanging out on the bridge between Danielle’s and Kalkin’s house. Hayden, along with Emmeline, followed them into the house and joined Nico and Asher at the couch.

The noise inside the house seemed to surprise Aurora. She’d never experienced anything like it before, even when her parents were alive. Maybe it was the infectious laughter or the open chatter of those who’d gathered together, it filled her with wonder and a sense of belonging, something she hadn’t realized she’d missed until the Halloween party she’d been invited to.

“Want anything to drink?” Mackenzie asked.

Aurora nodded. “Sure. Why not.”

“Anything specific?”

She shook her head.

“I’ll be back.” Mackenzie gave her hand a squeeze.

“Mumsy, may I go play?” Abby zipped up her coat and sniffed as she glanced at all of the children outside, especially Mikey.

“Sure. Be careful. Remember to be respectful and don’t overdo yourself,” Aurora replied.

“I will, Mumsy,” Abby replied as she headed for the door.

“You made it!” Keeley wrapped her in a hug filled with warmth. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“T-Thank you.” Aurora grinned, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. “This place is packed.”

“We’re missing a few people, and Kalkin’s on his way back with a couple more family members.” Keeley chuckled. “Christmas this year will be interesting, too.”

“Oh? Why?”

Keeley didn’t say anything, instead, she showed Aurora around the house, introducing her to different family members along with pack/pride members Aurora hadn’t had the chance to meet yet. Most of them were from the Dryer Pride. “I worry about the stupid things. Are you happy here, Aurora?”

Keeley’s question caught her off guard. “Yes. I like it here. Abby is feeling better, and I think we’re in the right spot to help her continued healing.”

“What about yourself?”

She glanced over her shoulder at Mackenzie who stood at the kitchen island with Jase, his youngest brother. How did she answer Keeley’s question, especially when the truth had been more complicated than the question? What happened between her and Mackenzie was instantaneous. Combustible. Resisting him was futile. Yet, he could hold her at arm’s length without hesitation. Sure, she could blame it on his past. He had shit luck when it came to women, and her story could almost be a carbon copy to Holly’s, but they also diverged at the part where she’d never believed for a second she’d be raising her sister’s daughter on her own.

“I guess I’m okay,” she answered. “Working as much as I can, so I can move out of our shitty apartment.”

Keeley frowned. “Kalkin has been trying for years to get that apartment complex condemned and tore down.”

“I wish the staff was more willing to fix stuff.” Her mind wandered back to the day Mackenzie showed up to fix the pipe. The way he pinned her to the wall and crushed her lips with his.

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